Sexual Assault at UC Davis
If you’ve been sexually assaulted while attending the University of California, Davis, help is available. Contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi for a free and confidential review of your potential case to find out if you have grounds to bring a lawsuit. Filing a civil claim can provide justice by holding one or more parties accountable for this crime and paying you for various losses. Request a case evaluation today for more information.
What Does Sexual Assault Look Like?
It often takes sexual assault survivors a long time to come forward with their stories. This happens for many reasons, such as concerns over not being believed or fear of retaliation from the perpetrator. Some victims, however, are not sure if they experienced sexual assault or abuse at UC Davis due to the circumstances of the crime. You may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, for example, or dating the perpetrator at the time of the assault. You still have the right to come forward, have your story heard and pursue justice if someone committed a sexual act without your consent.
The definition of sexual assault in California is any unwanted touching of your intimate or private parts without your permission or consent. This includes the genitals, anus and a female’s breasts. Sexual assault can occur by force, intimidation, misrepresentation or incapacitation. Any type of sexual activity with a minor is considered sexual assault, as a child under the age of 18 cannot legally give his or her consent. A student at UC Davis could be sexually assaulted during a hazing ritual, by a professor, at a college party, in a parking lot, by a coach during collegiate sports and in many other situations.
Compensation Available for Workplace Sexual Assault
If you were touched inappropriately, sexually assaulted or raped during your time at UC Davis, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against not only the individual who assaulted you but the university, as well. The university can be held responsible for failing to keep you safe, such as with supervised dorms or anti-hazing policies. A successful settlement or judgment award could make the defendant(s) pay for several related losses, including:
- Past and future medical needs
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders
- Therapy and counseling
- Legal fees and court costs
- Pain and suffering
- Medications, such as antidepressants
- Diminished enjoyment or quality of life
We know that filing a lawsuit is not only about the money. Bringing a claim can also help protect other students at UC Davis and shed light on this major issue at universities everywhere. Coming forward is difficult, but an attorney can protect you every step of the way. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we can protect your identity and allow you to remain anonymous during your lawsuit, if desired.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
Recently, California’s statute of limitations or deadline for filling was extended on sexual abuse lawsuits. Today, the time limit for filing this type of case is 10 years from the date of the incident or 3 years from the date that the victim associates a mental health issue with sexual assault as an adult victim. Minors who suffered sexual abuse or assault have longer to file; the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases is until age 40 or 5 years from the date of discovery (whichever is later). Assembly Bill 218 was passed in part because of how difficult it is to report sexual assault, as a victim is often traumatized or in denial.
Were You Sexually Assaulted at UC Davis? Contact Us Today
Reaching out to an attorney can be the first step toward a new life. Our lawyers can help you bring a perpetrator and UC Davis to justice for the terrible wrongdoing committed against you. We can help you pursue closure and the compensation that you deserve as a sexual assault survivor. Start with a free private consultation with one of our attorneys. Contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi online or by calling our local law office at (800) 700-8450.